Architect at FWP Seb Salisbury said: “We are delighted our plans for the Guild Tower have been approved and we look forward to delivering this ambitious and visionary regeneration scheme to transform this part of Preston city centre.

“We’re already seeing that take shape in the way it is breathing new life into the Guild Hall and the start of a new Market Quarter nearby. These are exciting times for Preston and Villa Urban simply adds to the conviction that positive things are happening in the city centre.

“We have designed a stylish mixed-use development with a modern aparthotel that will attract visitors into the city centre, along with a casino and spa and gym facilities that are also designed to complement Guild Hall complex’s role as a 21st-century leisure destination.”

The Villa Urban would be the name of the new hotel, in what is now the Guild Tower

Mr Rigby has ambitions of creating a casino within the Guild Hall – and recently bought Fives to focus on bringing one casino to Preston.